Image data recording method and frame image regenerating method

ABSTRACT

An image data recording method for recording, in an IC memory mounted in a film cartridge, image data of one or more desired frames on developed photographic film stored in the film cartridge is provided. The image data recording method comprises the steps of: determining the residual capacity of IC memory, changing the quantity of image data of one or more desired frames to be recorded in the IC memory or erasing the data recorded in the IC memory in accordance with the determined residual capacity of IC memory, and recording the image data of one or more desired frames in the residual capacity of the IC memory.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to an image datarecording method and a frame image regenerating method, and moreparticularly to an image data recording method and a frame imageregenerating method which display film images on a monitor within ashort period of time by using data in an IC memory loaded in a filmcartridge.

[0003] 2. Description of Related Art

[0004] Recently, an Advanced Photo System (APS) film has been proposedas a new photographic film. A magnetic layer is coated on the surface ofthe APS film, and photographic information, printing information, etc.are magnetically recorded on the film. The APS film is stored in a filmcartridge in the state wherein the film is completely shielded. Afterthe photography, the developed film, which is stored in the filmcartridge, is returned from a laboratory.

[0005] There is a conventional APS film cartridge loaded with an ICmemory. The IC memory is capable of containing a lot of informationwhich cannot be magnetically recorded on the film. Moreover, it ispossible to immediately read the information recorded in the IC memorywithout removing the film from the film cartridge.

[0006] On the other hand, a film player is known which images adeveloped film by an image sensor such as a CCD and converts a filmimage into an image signal, which is output to a TV monitor thatdisplays the film image. There is also proposed a film player, whichrecords and regenerates with respect to the APS film, and a film playerwhich writes and reads the data with respect to the IC memory loaded inthe APS film cartridge.

[0007] If the film player displays the images on the APS film on a TVmonitor, it is necessary to remove the film from the APS film cartridgeand feed the film in order to image each frame image. For this reason,the tension and friction are applied to the film, and thus, regeneratingframe images repeatedly would deteriorate the film.

[0008] If the film player displays the images on the APS film on the TVmonitor, the image data of all frames is acquired in the pre-scanning toobtain information such as the brightness and white balance of eachframe. In accordance with the information, the main scanning isperformed for each frame and the image data acquired by the mainscanning is processed appropriately and displayed on the TV monitor.Accordingly, the film must be fed reciprocally a plurality of timesduring one regeneration. This is a heavy stress on the film, and ittakes a long time to regenerate the images.

[0009] To solve the above-mentioned problem, a film cartridge with theIC memory has been proposed in which the image data of each frame isrecorded in the IC memory, and in which, when the film playerregenerates the film image, the image data of each frame is read fromthe IC memory and is displayed on the TV monitor without removing thefilm from the film cartridge. This aims at reducing the stress for thefilm and shortening the regeneration time of the film image.

[0010] The IC memory is mounted in the film cartridge within a limitedspace, and thus, there is a limitation on the capacity of the memory. Atpresent, it is difficult to record, in the IC memory, the image data ofall frames with the quantity that can be processed by the film player.It is necessary to reduce and compress the image data in order todecrease the quantity of the image data that is recorded in the ICmemory.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention has been developed in view of theabove-described circumstances, and has as its object the provision of animage data recording method and a frame image regenerating method whichrecord image data of one or more desired frames in accordance with theresidual capacity of the IC memory loaded in the film cartridge orrecord, in the IC memory, the data used to process the image during theregeneration, in order to eliminate the necessity for scanning the filmwhen the film image is regenerated, thereby preventing the deteriorationof the film and displaying the desired frame images on a monitor withina short period of time.

[0012] To achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention isdirected to an image recording method for recording, in a storage mediumattached to a film cartridge, image data of at least one desired frameon a developed photographic film stored in the film cartridge, the imagerecording method comprising the steps of: determining a residual memorycapacity of the storage medium; changing a quantity of image data of thedesired frame to be recorded in the storage medium or erasing datarecorded in the storage medium in accordance with the residual memorycapacity of the storage medium; and allowing the image data of thedesired frame to be recorded within the residual memory capacity of thestorage medium.

[0013] The image data recording method further comprises the steps of:calculating the number of frames which are permitted to be recorded inthe storage medium in accordance with the residual memory capacity ofthe storage medium and the quantity of image data for one frame to berecorded; and displaying the calculated number of frames.

[0014] The image data recording method further comprises the step ofarbitrarily changing the quantity of image data in each frame so thatthe quantity of the image data can be recorded in the storage medium.

[0015] The image data recording method further comprises the step ofreducing and/or compressing the image data to thereby change thequantity of the image data.

[0016] According to the present invention, the image data of each frameis recorded in the storage medium loaded in the film cartridge, andthus, the image of each frame is regenerated without extracting the filmfrom the film cartridge. This prevents the deterioration of the film andreduces the regeneration time of the frame image. The quantity of theimage data of each frame is changed in accordance with the residualmemory capacity of the storage medium, and it is therefore possible toarbitrarily set the number and quality of frame images recorded in thestorage medium.

[0017] To achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention isdirected to a frame image recording method comprising the steps of:using a film cartridge with a storage medium mounted therein, thestorage medium containing setup data comprising an exposure time T₀ ofan electronic shutter for imaging a negative base on a developedphotographic film stored in the film cartridge at a predeterminedbrightness, an exposure time T_(i) of the electronic shutter forregenerating each frame image on the photographic film at a properbrightness, where i is a frame number, and color correction data forregenerating each frame image on the photographic film in a propercolor; reading the setup data recorded in the storage medium, finding anexposure time T′₀ of the electronic shutter for imaging the negativebase on the film at a predetermined brightness, and calculating anexposure time T′_(i) for regenerating each frame image at a properbrightness in accordance with the following equation:

T′ _(i) =T′ ₀ /T ₀ ×T _(i),

[0018] whereby regenerating each frame image on the photographic film inaccordance with the calculated exposure time T′_(i) of the electronicshutter and the color correction data of the setup data.

[0019] In the frame image regenerating method, the color correction datacomprises reference maximum values R_(max), G_(max) and B_(max) andreference minimum values R_(min), G_(min) and B_(min) of gradations inR, G and B colors.

[0020] The frame image regenerating method further comprises the stepsof: recording, in the storage medium, convergent values R₀, G₀ and B₀ ofgradations in R, G and B colors in the case in which the negative baseon the photographic film is imaged in the exposure time T₀ of theelectronic shutter; determining convergent values R′₀, G′₀, B′₀ ofgradations in R, G and B colors in the case in which the negative baseon the photographic film is imaged in the exposure time T′₀ of theelectronic shutter during the regeneration of frame images on thephotographic film; and calibrating the reference maximum valuesR′_(max), G′_(max) and B′_(max) and the reference minimum valuesR′_(min), G′_(min) and B′_(min) of gradations in R, G and B colorsduring the regeneration of each frame in accordance with the followingequations:

R′ _(max) =R′ ₀ /R ₀ ×R _(max);

G′ _(max) =G′ ₀ /G ₀ ×G _(max); and

B′ _(max) =B′ ₀ /B ₀ ×B _(max).

[0021] According to the present inventions, the setup data required forregenerating the frame images is recorded in the storage medium loadedin the film cartridge, and the setup data is referred to during theregeneration of the frame images. It is therefore possible toimmediately perform the main scanning for each frame withoutpre-scanning the film. This prevents the deterioration of the film andreduces the regeneration time of the frame images. Moreover, the setupdata is calibrated in accordance with the information acquired byimaging the negative base. Consequently, it is possible to properlyregenerate the image in each frame according to the setup data recordedin the storage medium even if there is a change in the apparatus as timepasses or even if the different apparatuses record the setup data andregenerate the image in the storage medium.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The nature of this invention, as well as other objects andadvantages thereof, will be explained in the following with reference tothe accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designatethe same or similar parts throughout the figures and wherein:

[0023]FIG. 1 is a view illustrating the structure of the whole systemincluding a film player, to which a film image input method of thepresent invention is applied;

[0024]FIG. 2 is a view illustrating an example of a film cartridgeapplied to the film player in FIG. 1;

[0025]FIG. 3 is a view illustrating the side of a film cartridge appliedto the film player in FIG. 1;

[0026]FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the innerstructure of the film player in FIG. 1;

[0027]FIG. 5 is a histogram used for assistance in explaining how tofine a reference maximum value and a reference minimum value;

[0028] FIGS. 6(A), 6(B), 6(C) and 6(D) are graphs showing the processingat each part of a digital signal processing circuit in FIG. 4:

[0029] FIGS. 7(A), 7(B), 7(C) and 7(D) are graphs used for assistance inexplaining a gamma correction method;

[0030]FIG. 8 is a view illustrating the specification of a memory areaof an IC memory;

[0031]FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the operation of a film player inthe case that no required data is recorded in the IC memory;

[0032]FIG. 10 is a view illustrating an example of a transport sequenceof a film transported in the film player;

[0033]FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a procedure for recording imagedata in the IC memory;

[0034]FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing a procedure in the case that theimage data is recorded in the IC memory;

[0035]FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing a procedure for recording setupdata in the IC memory; and

[0036]FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing a procedure in the case that thesetup data is recorded in the IC memory.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0037] This invention will be described in further detail by way ofexample with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038]FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the overall structure ofa film player according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1,the film player 100 is rectangular parallelepiped, and a film cartridgestorage part 102 and a power supply switch 104 are provided at the frontof the film player 100. The film cartridge storage part 102 is drivenforward and backward in loading/unloading directions of a film cartridge110, so that the film cartridge 110 can be stored and taken out.

[0039] The film player 100 connects to a keypad 106 and a TV monitor108. The keypad 106 outputs a variety of control signals to the filmplayer 100 in order to control the film player 100. The film player 100outputs a video signal to the TV monitor 108.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 2, the film cartridge 110 has a single spool112, and a photographic film 114 is wound around the spool 112.Perforations 114A, which indicate the positions of frames, are punchedin the photographic film 114, and a magnetic recording layer 114B isformed on the entire surface or the edge of the film. A camera with amagnetic head records, on the magnetic recording layer 114B, magneticdata representing photographic data for each frame. The developedphotographic film 114 is wound up and stored in the film cartridge 110.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 3, an IC memory unit 20 is provided at one side(reference side) of the film cartridge 110. The IC memory unit 20consists of a print circuit board with six contact patterns and an ICmemory (e.g., a flash memory), which is loaded on the print circuitboard and is electrically connected to the six contact patterns. The ICmemory contains image data, etc. which requires a large memory capacityas described later.

[0042]FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the innerstructure of the film player 100. The film player 100 is comprisedmainly of an illumination light source 130, a taking lens 136, a CCDcircuit 140 including a CCD line sensor 142, a first signal processingcircuit 151, a second signal processing circuit 152, a third signalprocessing circuit 153, a memory control circuit 154, a CCD buffer Ml, adisplay buffer M2, a central processing unit (CPU) 160, a film drivingmechanism 170, an optical data reading unit 180, and a magneticrecording and regenerating unit 182.

[0043] The light source 130 is, for example, a long fluorescent lampwhich is provided in a direction perpendicular to the feed direction ofthe film 114. The light source 130 illuminates the film 114 through aninfrared cut filter 132. An image light is transmitted through the film114, and it is formed on a light receiving surface of the CCD linesensor 142 through a taking lens 136. While the CCD line sensor 142 isimaging film images, the film driving mechanism 170 moves the film 114at a constant speed in a direction indicated by an arrow A (forwarddirection) or B (reverse direction). This will be described later infurther detail.

[0044] The CCD line sensor 142 is arranged in a direction perpendicularto the film feed direction. The image light, which is formed on thelight receiving surface of the CCD line sensor 142, is electricallycharged for a predetermined period in sensors provided with R, G and Bfilters. The image light is converted into R, G and B signal electriccharges with quantity suitable for the intensity of light. Theaccumulated signal electric charges are read to a shift register by alead gate pulse of a predetermined cycle, which is transmitted from aCCD drive circuit 144. A register transfer pulse reads the signalelectric charges sequentially.

[0045] The CCD line sensor 142 has 1024 pixels in a directionperpendicular to the film feed direction. If there is no change in thecycle of the lead gate pulse, etc. of the CCD drive circuit 144, thenumber of pixels in one frame in the same direction as the film feeddirection varies according to the film feed speed. In this embodiment,the number of pixels at a speed which is ½, 1, 8, and 16 times as fastas the film feeding speed at which a normal film image is captured are1792 pixels, 896 pixels, 112 pixels and 56 pixels, respectively.

[0046] The signal electric charges read from the CCD line sensor 142 areclamped by a CDS clamp and are transmitted as R, G and B signals to ananalog processing circuit 146, which controls the gains, etc. of the R,G and G signals. The R, G and B signals, which are output from theanalog processing circuit 146, are dot-sequenced by a multiplexer 148,and they are converted into digital signals by an A/D converter 150. Thedigital signals are transmitted to the first signal processing circuit151 and the CPU 160.

[0047] The first signal processing circuit 151 has a white balanceadjusting circuit, a negative/positive inversion circuit, a γ-correctioncircuit, a RGB simultaneously-output circuit, etc. The first signalprocessing circuit processes the dot-sequential R, G, B signalsproperly, and simultaneously outputs the R, G and B signals to thesecond signal processing circuit 152.

[0048] A detailed description will now be given of the white balanceadjustment, the negative/positive inversion and the γ-correction. TheCPU 160 calculates the gradations (the gradation of 10 bit (0-1023) inthis embodiment) of the R, G and B digital image signals in apredetermined integration area, and finds the average gradations of theintegration area. Thus, the CPU 160 creates each gradation data for theintegration area with 5000-10000 points per one screen. Further, the CPU160 counts the frequency for each gradation in accordance with thesequentially-created gradation data, and stops counting if the frequencyexceeds a threshold TH established for the total points of the gradationdata (1% of the total points in this embodiment). Specifically, anintegration block creates a simple histogram (indicated by a slant linein FIG. 5) by counting the frequency up to the maximum threshold TH forall gradations from 0-1023 as shown in FIG. 5. In FIG. 5, the long andshort alternate lines indicate a histogram in the case that the totalpoints are counted.

[0049] The CPU 160 sequentially accumulates the frequencies from thesmallest gradation of the simple histogram in FIG. 5, and finds thereference minimum value, which is the gradation when the accumulatedfrequency corresponds to,or exceeds the threshold TH first, for each ofthe R, G and B colors. The CPU 160 also sequentially accumulates thefrequencies from the largest gradation of the simple histogram and findsthe maximum reference value, which is the gradation when the accumulatedfrequency corresponds to or exceeds the threshold TH first, for each ofthe R, G and B colors.

[0050] A description will now be given of the processing in the firstsignal processing circuit 151. First, a description will be given of amethod of calculating the offset values and the quantity of gain, whichare used for adjusting the white balance and the black balance. The CPU160 calculates the offset values for the R, G and B colors in accordancewith the reference maximum value and the reference minimum values andcalculates the quantity of gain for the R, G and B colors. If thereference maximum value of the R digital image signal is R_(ref max) andthe reference minimum value of the R digital image signal isR_(ref min), the offset value and the quantity of gain are as follows:

The offset value=1023−R _(ref max);  (1)

The quantity of gain=1023/(R _(ref max) −R _(ref min))  (2)

[0051] The offset value and the quantity of gain of R digital imagesignal are calculated by the above equations (1) and (2), and the othercolor channels are calculated in the same manner. The R, G and B digitalimage signals are represented in 10 bit, and 1023 is the maximum valueof the R, G and B digital image signals.

[0052] The offset value of the R digital image signal is added to theoriginal R_(org) output from the A/D converter 150 during the scanningas shown in the following equation to acquire a digital image signal R1which is black-point offset:

R1=R _(org)+offset value.  (3)

[0053] The originals of the G and B image signals are processed in thesame manner so that the peak values of the R, G and B digital imagesignals can correspond to one another (see FIG. 6(A)).

[0054] The following equation is calculated for the offset digital imagesignal R1 in order to negative-positive invert the digital image signalR1 (see FIG. 6(B)):

R2=1023−R1.  (4)

[0055] Then, the negative-positive inverted digital image signal R2 ismultiplied by the quantity of gain, which is found by the equation (2),so that the other peak values (white in the positive image) of the R, Gand B digital image signals can correspond to one another (see FIG. 6(C)):

R3=R2×the quantity of gain.tm (5)

[0056] Different gamma corrections are performed for the R, G and Bdigital image signals that have been multiplied by the quantity of gain,whereby the gray is adjusted (see FIG. 6(D)).

[0057] A description will be given of the gamma correction in furtherdetail. First, as shown in FIG. 7, a lookup table (hereinafter referredto as a base LUT), which is a reference for the gamma correction, isprepared.

[0058] A gamma correction value, which represents a difference between agamma curve of the negative film and a gamma curve (generally γ=0.45) ofa video signal output to a Braun tube is recorded for each gradation inthe base LUT. An actual lookup table representing input-outputbehavioral characteristics is obtained by subtracting the base LUT (thegamma correction value) from a function y=x as shown in FIG. 7(A).

[0059] It is possible to change the base LUT by multiplying the base LUTby a gamma gain (see FIG. 7(B)). If one base LUT is multiplied by aproper gamma gain, it is possible to obtain a LUT whose gamma correctionvalues have been expanded or compressed for R, G and B signals. FIG.7(C) shows the actual LUT for R, G and B signals, which is obtained bysubtracting the LUT whose gamma correction values have been expanded orcompressed for R, G and B colors from the function y=x.

[0060] The white balance and the black balance are adjusted by the aboveequations (3)-(5). In order to perform the gamma corrections for thedot-sequential R, G and B digital image signals that have beennegative-positive inverted, the gamma correction values are read fromthe base LUT in accordance with the dot-sequential R, G and B digitalimage signals. The gamma correction values are multiplied by gamma gainsfor R, G and B colors to find the properly-expanded or compressed gammacorrection values. It is possible to perform the dot-sequential gammacorrections for each color by subtracting the expanded or compressedgamma correction values from the dot-sequential R, G and B digital imagesignals.

[0061] The second signal processing circuit 152 in FIG. 4 has a matrixcircuit, and generates a luminance signal Y and a chroma signal C_(r/b)in accordance with the received R, G and B signals. Then, the secondsignal processing circuit 152 outputs the luminance signal Y and thechroma signal C_(r/b) to the memory control circuit 154.

[0062] The memory control circuit 154 controls the reading and writingthe luminance signal Y and the chroma signal C_(r/b) in the CCD bufferM1, and also controls the reading and writing the luminance signal Y andthe chroma signal C_(r/b), which are stored in the CCD buffer Ml, in thedisplay buffer M2.

[0063] The luminance signal Y and the chroma signal C_(r/b), which areread from the display buffer M2 by the memory control circuit 154, aretransmitted to the third signal processing circuit 153. The third signalprocessing circuit 153 generates, for example, an NTSC color compositevideo signal in accordance with the received luminance signal Y and thechroma signal C_(r/b), and outputs the color composite video signal to avideo output terminal 158 through a D/A converter 156. Incidentally, asynchronous signal generating circuit 159 transmits synchronous signalswith a predetermined cycle to the memory control circuit 154, the thirdsignal processing circuit 156 and the D/A converter 156. Thissynchronizes those circuits, and acquires video signals includingnecessary synchronous signals. A timing signal generating circuit 162,which is controlled by the CPU 160, transmits timing signals to the CCDcircuit unit 140, the A/D converter 150, the first signal processingcircuit 151, the second signal processing circuit 152 and the memorycontrol circuit 154, so that the circuits can be synchronized.

[0064] The film drive mechanism 170 consists of a film supply part,which connects to the spool 112 of the film cartridge 110 and rotatesthe spool 112 forward and backward; a film take-up part for taking upthe film 114 fed from the film supply part; and a means, which isarranged on a film transport route and feeds the film 114 at a constantspeed in the state wherein the film 114 is pinched by the capstan andthe pinch roller. The film supply part rotates the spool 112 of the filmcartridge 110 clockwise in FIG. 4, and feeds the film 114 from the filmcartridge 110 until the film take-up part takes up the film leader.

[0065] The optical data reading unit 180 has a first optical sensor 180Afor optically detecting the perforations 114A on the film 114, and asecond optical sensor 180B for optically reading optical data such as abar code written at the film edge. The optical data reading unit 180processes the optical data, which is read through the optical sensors180A, 180B, and outputs the optical data to the CPU 160.

[0066] The magnetic recording and regenerating unit 182 has a magnetichead 182A, and reads the magnetic data from the magnetic recording layer114B of the film 114. Then, the magnetic data regenerating unit 182processes the magnetic data and outputs the processed data to the CPU160 so that the data can be recorded in the RAM 160A. The magneticrecording and regenerating unit 182 also reads the data from the RAM160A of the CPU 160, and converts the data into a signal suitable formagnetic recording. Then, the magnetic recording and regenerating unit182 outputs the signal to the magnetic head 182A, and records the signalon the magnetic recording layer 114B of the film 114.

[0067] The CPU 160 connects to a random access memory (RAM) 121, a readonly memory (ROM) 122, an erasable and electrically programmable readonly memory (EEPROM) 123, and an IC memory interface 124.

[0068] The ROM 122 contains a film player control program and a loadprogram for loading the contents of the IC memory 120 mounted in thefilm cartridge 110. In accordance with the program stored in the ROM122, the CPU 160 performs the processing according to the user'smanipulation of the keypad 106 and controls the film player 100. The CPU160 also loads the contents of the IC memory 120 loaded in the filmcartridge 110 through the IC memory interface 124, and writes the datarecorded in the RAM 121, the EEPROM 123, etc. in the IC memory 120through the IC memory interface 124.

[0069] A description will be given of the data recorded in the IC memory120 of the film cartridge 110 in the film player 100. In the firstembodiment, the IC memory 120 contains the image data of desired frames,which have been regenerated once by the film player 100. As shown inFIG. 8, the memory area of the IC memory 120 consists of a datamanagement area and a data record area. Image data is recorded in thedata record area, and necessary information for reading and regeneratingthe image data in the IC memory 120 such as frame numbers of the imagedata recorded in the data record area and the addresses where the imagedata corresponding to the frame numbers are recorded in the datamanagement area.

[0070] Since the image data of desired frames are recorded in the ICmemory, it is possible to read the image data of the desired frame fromthe IC memory 120 and regenerate the image of the desired frames withoutreading the image with the film scanner when the film player 100regenerates the film cartridge 110 loaded with the IC memory 120.

[0071] A description will now be given of the operation of the filmplayer 100, which is constructed in the above-mentioned manner. First, adescription will be given of the operation in the case where the ICmemory 120 contains no image data with reference to the flow chart ofFIG. 9. When the film cartridge 110 is mounted in the film cartridgestorage part 102 (step S10), the CPU 160 determines whether or not theIC memory 120 of the film cartridge 110 contains the required data(image data) with reference to the contents stored in the datamanagement area (see FIG. 8) of the IC memory 120 (step S12). If therequired data is not recorded, the CPU 160 controls the film drivemechanism 170, which feeds the film 114 from the film cartridge 110 andwinds the film leader around the take-up shaft of the film take-up part(film loading). Then, the negative base at the film leader is capturedto execute the calibration (step S14). Specifically, the electronicshutter of the CCD line sensor 142 is set at an initial value 15%, andan amplifier gain of the analog signal processing circuit 146 is set ata preset value (an initial value). Then the CCD line sensor 142 imagesthe negative base at the film leader, and the R, G and B output voltagesfrom the analog processing circuit 146 are measured and memorized. TheCPU 160 reads a difference between the reference voltage (e.g., 2 V) andthe maximum value d of the G output voltage from the analog processingcircuit 146, and changes the exposure time (the electric chargeaccumulation time of the CCD line sensor 142) of the electronic shutterso that the maximum value d can be, for example, 2 V Then, the CPU 160outputs a gain control signal to the analog processing circuit 146 sothat each maximum value of the R and B output voltages can be 2 V.

[0072] After the calibration, the first pre-scanning is performed (stepS16). In the first pre-scanning, the CPU 160 feeds the film 148 forwardat a high speed of 148.0 mm/sec. as shown in FIG. 10, and captures theimage data through the CCD line sensor 142. The CPU 160 reads theoptical data and the magnetic data through the optical data reading unit180 and the magnetic recording and regenerating unit 182.

[0073] In accordance with the image data captured during the firstpre-scanning, the CPU 160 finds the reference maximum value and thereference minimum values of the gradation for R, G and B colors. Inaccordance with the equations (1) and (2), the CPU 160 calculates theoffset values and the quantity of gain, and stores offset datarepresenting the offset value for each color and AWB data representingthe gain adjustment quantity in the RAM 121. Incidentally, the CPU 160is capable of detecting each frame on the film 114 in accordance withthe optical data and/or the magnetic data, which are read through theoptical data reading unit 180 and the magnetic recording andregenerating unit 182, and determining frame numbers by counting theframes.

[0074] Next, the second pre-scanning is performed for the film 114 (stepS18). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the CPU 160 rewinds the film114 in a reverse direction at a high speed of 74.0 mm/sec., and capturesthe image data through the CCD line sensor 142. When the image data iscaptured, the CPU 160 controls the electric charge accumulation time ofthe CCD line sensor 142 in accordance with AE data stored in the RAM 121in order to adjust the exposure for each frame.

[0075] The CPU 160 controls the first signal processing circuit 151,which adjusts the offset quantity and the white balance of R, G and Bsignals for each frame. More specifically, the CPU 160 outputs theoffset data for each color signal of each frame from the RAM 121 to thefirst signal processing circuit 151. In accordance with the offset data,the first signal processing circuit 151 adjusts the offset quantity fordot-sequential R, G and B signals. Likewise, the CPU 160 outputs the AWBdata for R, G and B color signals of each frame from the RAM 121 to thefirst signal processing circuit 151. In accordance with the AWB data,the first signal processing circuit 151 adjusts the gains of thedot-sequential R, G and B signals.

[0076] Since the image data of each frame is adjusted in accordance withthe AE data, the AWB data or the like, the satisfactory image data canbe captured regardless of the photographic conditions for each frame.

[0077] The adjusted image data of each frame, that is, the luminancesignal Y and the chroma signal C_(r/b) output from the second signalprocessing circuit 152 are stored in the CCD buffer M1 through thememory control circuit 154. As described above, the film 114 is fed at aspeed that is eight times as fast as the feeding speed for capturing thenormal film image, and thus, the number of pixels in one frame in thesame direction as the film feed direction is smaller than the number ofpixels in the normal film image. The CCD line sensor 142 has the sensorof 1024 pixels in a direction perpendicular to the film feed directionas mentioned previously. If the number of pixels is decreased, forexample, to {fraction (1/16)} of 1024, the number of pixels in one framein a direction perpendicular to the film feed direction is smaller thanthe number of pixels in the case of the normal film image. It istherefore possible to store the image data representing an index imageof, for example, 40 frames (hereinafter referred to as index image data)in the CCD buffer M1, which is able to contain the image data of onlyabout one frame in the case of the normal film image.

[0078] To store the index image data in the display buffer M2, thepixels of one frame is further reduced so that the image data of 20frames, for example, can be stored in the display buffer M2. To displaythe index image on the TV monitor 108, the image data is read from thedisplay buffer M2. The CPU 160 numbers the frames 1, 2, . . . in anorder of reading the image data during the scanning, and outputscharacter signals indicating the frame number of each frame to therebydisplay the index image on which the frame numbers are superimposed.

[0079] The index image is created as described above (step S20). If theindex image is displayed on the TV monitor 108, the user controls thekeypad 106 while looking at the index image. The user interactivelyperforms the edition and designations required for displaying one frameon the TV monitor 108 (step S22). For example, the user designates thedirection to erect the regeneration image on the monitor, changes aframe size, and set or cancel the prohibition of the display. The editeddata is stored in the RAM 121.

[0080] After the editions for displaying the frames are performed on theindex image display screen, the frames are displayed and edited. In thiscase, the user selects frames to be displayed on the TV monitor 108, orselects a regeneration mode for automatically displaying all frameimages in order, etc. If the user selects the first frame, the CPU 160feeds the film 114 by one frame forward at a speed of 9.25 mm/sec asshown in FIG. 10 in order to scan the first frame (main scanning) (stepS24). During the main scanning, the image data is captured into the CCDbuffer M1 through the CCD line sensor 142.

[0081] When the image data is captured, the CPU 160 adjusts the imagedata of each frame in accordance with the AE data, AWB data, etc. storedin the RAM 121, the satisfactory image data can be captured regardlessof the photographic conditions for each frame.

[0082] The image data of one frame, which has been captured in the CCDbuffer M1 as stated above, is transferred to the display buffer M2. Thecontents of the display buffer M2 are read repeatedly so that the imageof one frame can be displayed on the TV monitor 108.

[0083] The user edits the image in further detail such as trimming andcolor correction while looking at the screen displayed for each frame(step S26).

[0084] The display and edition of each frame are repeatedly performed inaccordance with the user's designation of the frames or the like. Whenthe user instructs the operation to finish (step S28), the film 114 isfed in a reverse direction at a high speed of 148.0 mm/sec. as shown inFIG. 10. While the film is feeding, the data, which was previously readfrom the magnetic recording layer 114B of the film 114 and is stored inthe RAM 121 of the CPU 160, is recorded in the magnetic recording layer114B of the film 114. The required data is recorded in the IC memory120, and after rewinding, the film cartridge 110 is taken out (stepS29).

[0085] A description will be given of the operation of the film player100 in the case where the image data of each frame on the film 114 canbe recorded in the IC memory 120 of the film cartridge 110. First, adescription will be given of the procedure for recording the image datain the IC memory 120 by the film player 100 with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 11. When the film cartridge 110 is mounted in the filmcartridge storage part 102 (step S30), the CPU 160 reads the data fromthe IC memory 120 and determines the residual capacity of the IC memory120. The CPU 160 records the residual capacity of the IC memory 120 inthe RAM 121 (step S32). The residual capacity is the residual capacityof the data recording area (see FIG. 8), and the residual capacity maybe confirmed from the memory management information in the datamanagement area (see FIG. 8).

[0086] Then, the CPU 160 determines whether the required data (imagedata) is recorded in the IC memory 120 as indicated at the step S12 inthe flowchart of FIG. 9. If the image data is not recorded, the CPU 160performs the processing from the step S14 in the flowchart of FIG. 9 asstated previously. On the other hand, if the image data is recorded, theCPU 160 executes a predetermined processing and then executes theprocessing from the step S14 in the flowchart of FIG. 9. A descriptionwill later be given of the processing procedure in the case where the ICmemory 120 contains the image data.

[0087] After executing the processing from the step S14, the CPU 160goes to the step S26 in the flowchart of FIG. 9 so as to display andedit each frame. When the user instructs the image data of acurrently-displayed frame to be registered in the display and edition ofeach frame (step S34), the CPU 160 reads the residual capacity of the ICmemory 120 from the RAM 121. The CPU 160 determines whether the residualcapacity of the IC memory 120 is larger than the capacity required forrecording the image data of one frame so as to determine whether it ispossible to register the image data in the IC memory 120 (step S36). Ifit is possible to register the image data in the IC memory 120, the CPU160 reads the image data of the designated frame recorded in the CCDbuffer M1, and records the image data and other management informationin the free space in the IC memory 120 (step S38). Incidentally, theimage data is recorded in the data recording area of the IC memory 120,whereas the other management information such as the frame number of therecorded image data and the address of the image data in the memory arerecorded in the data management area (see FIG. 8). The quantity of theimage data recorded in the IC memory 120 is subtracted from the residualcapacity of the IC memory 120, which is recorded in the RAM 121, inorder to update the residual capacity of the IC memory 120 before theregistration of the image data to the residual capacity after theregistration of the image data (step S40).

[0088] On the other hand, if it is impossible to register the image datain the IC memory 120 at the step S36, the user determines on the monitorwhether to erase the other data stored in the IC memory 120 (step S42).If the user determines not to erase the data, the registration of theimage data is cancelled and the processing returns to the step S34. Ifthe user determines to erase the data, he or she determines which datawill be erased (step S44). For instance, if the unnecessary image datais erased when other image data is recorded, the residual capacity forrecording new image data can be secured. The CPU 160 erases thedesignated data from the IC memory 120 (step S46), and adds the capacityof the erased data to the residual capacity of the IC memory 120, whichis recorded in the RAM 121 to find the residual capacity of the ICmemory 120 after the data is erased (step S48). Then, the CPU 160returns to the step S36, and determines again whether it is possible toregister the image data in the residual capacity of the IC memory. Ifpossible, the image data is recorded in the IC memory 120 as statedabove. If the residual capacity is still in shortage after the data iserased, the processing from the step S42 to S48 is repeated.

[0089] The CPU 160 records the image data, which is read into the CCDbuffer M1 when the images are displayed and edited on a frame-by-framebasis, in the IC memory 120 in accordance with the instruction of theuser. If the residual capacity of the IC memory 120 is smaller than thecapacity required for recording the image data, the CPU 160 gives theuser an instruction to erase the unnecessary data in order to secure theresidual capacity for recording the image data.

[0090] Incidentally, the image data may also be recorded in the ICmemory 120 by designating a plurality of frames at the same time on theindex image display screen. Moreover, the index image itself may berecorded with the image data of each frame in the IC memory 120.

[0091] In the above explanation, the image data captured into the CCDbuffer M1 is recorded in the IC memory 120, but the image data (theimage data which has been trimmed or the like) transferred from the CCDbuffer M1 to the display buffer M2 may also be recorded in the IC memory120.

[0092] There is no problem if the capacity of the IC memory 120 isenough to contain the image data of all frames, which has been read intothe CCD buffer M1. If, however, the capacity of the IC memory 120 is notenough to contain the image data of all frames, which has been read intothe CCD buffer M1, it is possible to select frames, which the user wouldlike to store, among frames which may be recorded in the IC memory 120.It is also possible to reduce or compress the image data in the CCDbuffer M1 according to the number of frames designated by the user inorder to record the image data of the designated frames. It is alsopossible to previously set the reduction or compression rate for theimage data according to the capacity of the IC memory in order to recordthe image data of all frames.

[0093] If, for example, the data recording area in the IC memory 120 of2M bytes is 1.5M bytes and the quantity of the image data in each frameis 1M byte, the quantity of the image data is reduced to about {fraction(1/7)}, because 10/1.5=7, in order to record the image data of tenframes in the IC memory 120.

[0094] The user may adjust the reduction quantity or compression ratefor the image data according to the residual capacity of the IC memory120 instead of adjusting the quantity of the image data by designatingthe number of frames to be recorded in the IC memory 120. For instance,a plurality of modes such as a high resolution mode, a normal mode and alow resolution mode are provided as image data recording modes, so thatthe reduction quantity and compression rate can be selected bydesignating a mode. In this case, for example, how many frames may berecorded is displayed, and the user selects a mode in accordance withthe purpose.

[0095] If the quantity of the image data to be recorded in the IC memory120 is changeable as stated above, the quantity of the image data variesaccording to frames sometimes. If the kind of processing which has beenperformed to reduce the quantity of each image data is unknown, theimage data cannot be restored to the original size. To avoid such aproblem, the kind of processing which has been performed to reduce thequantity of data is recorded with the image data in the data managementarea in the IC memory 120.

[0096] A description will now be given of the procedure in the case whenthe image data is recorded in the IC memory 120 with reference to theflowchart of FIG. 12. When the film cartridge 110 is set in the filmcartridge storage part 102 (step S60), the CPU 160 reads the datarecorded in the IC memory 120 of the film cartridge 110 (step S62). Atthis time, the CPU 160 determines whether or not the image data isrecorded in the IC memory 120 with reference to the data recorded in thedata management area in the IC memory 120. If the image data is notrecorded, the CPU 160 performs the processing from the step S14 in theflowchart of FIG. 9 as stated previously.

[0097] On the other hand, if the image data is recorded, the CPU 160displays, on the TV monitor, a selection screen for deciding whether todisplay the image data in the IC memory 120 on the monitor or to scanthe film (step S64). If the user decides to scan the film 114, the CPU160 performs the processing from the step S14 in the flowchart of FIG.9. On the other hand, if the user decides to display the image data, theCPU 160 displays frame numbers of the image data recorded in the ICmemory 120 on the monitor with reference to the data management area inthe IC memory 120, and instructs the user to select a frame to beregenerated (step S66). When the user selects a frame to be regenerated,the CPU 160 reads the image data of the selected frame from the ICmemory 120 and displays the image on the TV monitor 108 through thedisplay buffer M2 (step S68).

[0098] It is therefore possible to display the image of a certain frameon the TV monitor 108 without removing the film from the film cartridge110. Consequently, the deterioration of the film is prevented, and theframe images on the film are displayed on the TV monitor 108 within ashort period of time.

[0099] Incidentally, if the index image is recorded in the IC memory120, the CPU 160 reads the index image from the IC memory 120 after thefilm cartridge 110 is mounted in the film cartridge storage part 102.Then, the CPU 160 displays the index image on the TV monitor 108.

[0100] A description will now be given of the second embodiment whichmakes it possible to record setup data of each frame, regenerated onceby the film player 100, in the IC memory 120 of the film cartridge 110.The setup data consists of main scan data and calibration data. The mainscan data is required to image and display each frame image on themonitor. More specifically, the main scan data includes the accumulationtime of electric charge in the CCD line sensor 142, which is obtainedduring the regeneration of each frame image; the reference maximum valueand the reference minimum value of the gradation in each color duringthe accumulation of the electric charge; and the amplifier gain of theLUT in each color. In other words, the main scan data includes theexposure time of the electronic shutter during the regeneration of eachframe image and the color correction data used for determining theoffset value, the quantity of gain and the gamma correction quantity.

[0101] The calibration data includes the accumulation time of theelectric charge in the CCD line sensor 142 for imaging the negative baseat a predetermined brightness when the negative base on the film 114 isimaged, and a convergent value of a signal in each color, which isobtained during the accumulation of the electric charge. The calibrationdata indicates the characteristics of the imaging optical system of thefilm player, which has recorded the setup data. For example, thecalibration data is used to calibrate the changes in the apparatus fromthe recording of the setup data to the regeneration of the image anddifferences in characteristics between apparatuses if differentapparatuses record the setup data and regenerate the image.

[0102] Since the setup data is recorded in the IC memory 120, the setupdata can be read from the IC memory 120 when each frame image isregenerated. It is therefore possible to immediately regenerate eachframe image without pre-scanning the film to acquire the setup data.

[0103] First, a description will be given of the procedure for recordingthe setup data in the IC memory 120 by the film player 100 withreference to the flowchart of FIG. 13. When the film cartridge 110 isset in the film cartridge storage part 102 (step S70), the CPU 160 readsthe data in the IC memory 120 to determine whether the setup data isrecorded or not. If the setup data is not recorded, the CPU 160 executesthe processing from the step S14 in the flowchart of FIG. 9. On theother hand, if the setup data is recorded, the CPU 160 performs apredetermined processing. A description will later be given of theprocessing in the case where the setup data is recorded.

[0104] If the setup data is not recorded, the CPU 160 performs theprocessing from the step S14. The CPU 160 executes the calibration forthe negative base of the film 114 as stated previously (step S72) toacquire the calibration data (step S74). Afterwards, the CPU 160performs the first and second pre-scanning as shown in the flowchart ofFIG. 9 (step S76) to acquire the main scan data (step S78). After thepredetermined processing, the CPU 160 records the setup data, whichconsists of the calibration data and the main scan data, in the ICmemory 120 (step S80).

[0105] A description will now be given of the procedure in the casewhere the setup data is recorded in the IC memory 120. When the filmcartridge 110 is set in the film cartridge storage part 102 (step S90),the CPU 160 reads the data in the IC memory 120 to determine whether thesetup data is recorded or not. If the setup data is recorded, the setupdata is read (step S92). Then, the film is loaded, and the negative baseis imaged to perform the calibration (step S94). Then, the results ofthe calibration and the calibration data included in the setup data arecompared to calibrate the main scan data (step S96).

[0106] A description will be given of the calibration for the main scandata in further detail. Suppose that the calibration data included inthe setup data recorded in the IC memory 120 is as follows:

[0107] the accumulation time T₀ of the electric charge in the CCD: 300μs; and

[0108] the convergent value R₀: 950, G₀: 950, B₀: 950,

[0109] and the main scan data of the first frame is as follows:

[0110] the accumulation time T of the electric charge in the CCD: 600μs;

[0111] the maximum value R_(max): 900, G_(max): 920, B_(max): 910;

[0112] the minimum value R_(min :)50, G_(min): 60, B_(min): 50; and

[0113] γ-gain R: 10,G:20,B:30.

[0114] On the other hand, suppose that the calibration data obtained asa result of the calibration is as follows:

[0115] the accumulation time T′₀ of the electric charge in the CCD: 150μs; and

[0116] the convergent value R′₀: 940, G′₀: 940, B′₀: 940.

[0117] In this case, the accumulation time T′ of the electric charge inthe CCD line sensor 142 in the main scanning for each frame iscalculated by the following equation:

T′=T×(T′ ₀ /T ₀).

[0118] Accordingly, the accumulation time T′ of the electric charge inthe CCD line sensor 142 for the first frame is as follows:

T′=600×(150/300)=300 μs.

[0119] The reference maximum value and the reference minimum value ofthe gradation in each color are substantially equal if the accumulationtime of the electric charge in the CCD line sensor 142 is calibrated.For this reason, the reference maximum value and the reference minimumvalue do not always have to be calibrated. If they are calibrated,however, the calibrated reference maximum values R′_(max), G′_(max),B′_(max) and the calibrated reference minimum values R′_(min), G′_(min),B′_(min) are as follows.

R′ _(max) =R _(max)×(R′ ₀ /R ₀);

G′ _(max) =G _(max)×(G′ ₀ /G ₀);

B′ _(max) =B _(max)×(B′ ₀ /B ₀);

R′ _(min) =R _(min)×(R′ ₀ /R ₀);

G′ _(min) =G _(min)×(G′ ₀ /G ₀); and

B′ _(min) =B _(min)×(B′ ₀ /B ₀).

[0120] Accordingly, the reference maximum values R′_(max), G′_(max),B′_(max), and the reference minimum values R′_(min), G′_(min), B′_(min)are as follows:

R′ _(max)=900×(940/950)≅891;

G′ _(max)=920×(940/950)≅910;

B′ _(max)=910×(940/950)≅900;

R′ _(min)=50×(940/950)≅49;

G′ _(min)=60×(940/950)≅59; and

B′ _(min)=50×(940/950)≅49.

[0121] Incidentally, the γ gains of the main scan data are notcorrected.

[0122] After the main scan data for each frame is calibrated, the CPU160 performs the main scanning for the frames designated by the user inaccordance with the calibrated main scan data (step S98).

[0123] The setup data is recorded in the IC memory 120 and the mainscanning is performed for each frame in accordance with the setup datarecorded in the IC memory 120, so that the pre-scanning for acquiringthe main scan data can be omitted and each frame image can beregenerated within a short period of time.

[0124] In this embodiment, the image data or the setup data is recordedin the IC memory 120, but both the image data and the setup data mayalso be recorded in the IC memory 120. In this case, the main scanningis performed for frames with no image data in accordance with the setupdata. This eliminates the necessity for pre-scanning and makes itpossible to display the frame image on the TV monitor within a shortperiod of time.

[0125] As set forth hereinabove, according to the image data recordingmethod and the frame image regenerating method of the present invention,the image data of each frame is recorded in the storage medium loaded inthe film cartridge. For this reason, the images in each frame on thephotographic film can be regenerated without removing the film from thefilm cartridge. This prevents the deterioration of the film and reducesthe regeneration time of the frame images. Moreover, the quantity ofimage data in each frame is changed according to the residual capacityof the storage medium. It is therefore possible to arbitrarily set thenumber and quality of frame images to be recorded in the storage mediumin accordance with the residual capacity of the storage medium.

[0126] The setup data required for regenerating each frame image isrecorded in the storage medium loaded in the film cartridge, and thesetup data is referred to when each frame image is regenerated. It istherefore possible to immediately perform the main scanning for eachframe without pre-scanning the film. This prevents the deterioration ofthe film and reduces the regeneration time of the frame images.Moreover, the setup data is calibrated in accordance with theinformation acquired by imaging the negative base. Consequently, it ispossible to properly regenerate the image in each frame according to thesetup data recorded in the storage medium even if there is a change inthe apparatus as time passes or even if the different apparatuses recordthe setup data and regenerate the image in the storage medium.

[0127] It should be understood, however, that there is no intention tolimit the invention to the specific forms disclosed, but on thecontrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternateconstructions and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of theinvention as expressed in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image recording method for recording, in a storage medium attached to a film cartridge, image data of at least one desired frame on a developed photographic film stored in said film cartridge, said image recording method comprising the steps of: determining a residual memory capacity of said storage medium; changing a quantity of image data of the desired frame to be recorded in said storage medium or erasing data recorded in said storage medium in accordance with the residual memory capacity of said storage medium; and allowing the image data of the desired frame to be recorded within the residual memory capacity of said storage medium.
 2. The image data recording method as defined in claim 1 , further comprising the steps of: calculating the number of frames which are permitted to be recorded in said storage medium in accordance with the residual memory capacity of said storage medium and the quantity of image data for one frame to be recorded; and displaying the calculated number of frames.
 3. The image data recording method as defined in claim 1 , further comprising the step of arbitrarily changing the quantity of image data in each frame so that the quantity of the image data can be recorded in said storage medium.
 4. The image data recording method as defined in claim 1 , further comprising the step of reducing and/or compressing said image data to thereby change the quantity of said image data.
 5. The image data recording method as defined in claim 3 , further comprising the step of reducing and/or compressing said image data to thereby change the quantity of said image data.
 6. A frame image recording method comprising the steps of: using a film cartridge with a storage medium mounted therein, said storage medium containing setup data comprising an exposure time T₀ of an electronic shutter for imaging a negative base on a developed photographic film stored in said film cartridge at a predetermined brightness, an exposure time T_(i) of the electronic shutter for regenerating each frame image on said photographic film at a proper brightness, where i is a frame number, and color correction data for regenerating each frame image on said photographic film in a proper color; reading the setup data recorded in said storage medium, finding an exposure time T′₀ of the electronic shutter for imaging the negative base on the film at a predetermined brightness, and calculating an exposure time T′_(i) for regenerating each frame image at a proper brightness in accordance with the following equation: T′ _(i) =T′ ₀ /T ₀ ×T _(i), whereby regenerating each frame image on said photographic film in accordance with the calculated exposure time T′_(i) of the electronic shutter and said color correction data of the setup data.
 7. The frame image regenerating method as defined in claim 6 , wherein said color correction data comprises reference maximum values R_(max), G_(max) and B_(max) and reference minimum values R_(min), G_(min) and B_(min) of gradations in R, G and B colors.
 8. The frame image regenerating method as defined in claim 7 , further comprising the steps of: recording, in said storage medium, convergent values R₀, G₀ and B₀ of gradations in R, G and B colors in the case in which the negative base on said photographic film is imaged in said exposure time T₀ of the electronic shutter; determining convergent values R′₀, G′₀, B′₀ of gradations in R, G and B colors in the case in which the negative base on said photographic film is imaged in said exposure time T′₀ of the electronic shutter during the regeneration of frame images on said photographic film; and calibrating the reference maximum values R′_(max), G′_(max) and B′_(max) and the reference minimum values R′_(min), G′_(min) and B′_(min) of gradations in R, G and B colors during the regeneration of each frame in accordance with the following equations: R′ _(max) =R′ ₀ /R ₀ ×R _(max); G′ _(max) =G′ ₀ /G ₀ ×G _(max); and B′ _(max) =B′ ₀ /B ₀ ×B _(max).
 9. A film cartridge used in the frame image recording method of claim 5 , said film cartridge having a storage medium mounted therein, said storage medium containing setup data comprising an exposure time T₀ of an electronic shutter for imaging a negative base on a developed photographic film stored in said film cartridge at a predetermined brightness, an exposure time T_(i) of an electronic shutter for regenerating each frame image on said photographic film at a proper brightness, where i is a frame number, and color correction data for regenerating each frame image on said photographic film in a proper color. 